Body Language: What Science Tells Us About Nonverbal Communication
Humans have always used body language to communicate with one another, and science has taken a deeper dive into the phenomenon in recent years. This article will discuss the basics of body language, its role in communication, and its implications for social interaction. We will also provide an overview of the research that has been conducted on the subject, with particular attention to the findings of recent studies.
Body language is defined as the communication of feelings or thoughts through physical gestures, facial expressions, and postures (Knapp & Hall, 2015). It is a form of nonverbal communication, meaning that it occurs without the use of speech or words. Examples of body language include smiling, frowning, nodding, and gesturing. Research has shown that body language is an effective way to convey feelings and intentions, and is often used in combination with verbal communication to create a more comprehensive message (Knapp & Hall, 2015).
Research on body language has found that it can influence a variety of social interactions. For example, studies have demonstrated that body language can be used to influence the outcome of negotiations and job interviews (Gardner, 2016). People who use body language to their advantage are perceived as more competent and confident, while those who do not use body language are seen as less capable (Gardner, 2016). Furthermore, research has found that body language can be used to influence the way people perceive one another, as well as how they interact with each other (Knapp & Hall, 2015).
The findings of recent research suggest that body language is an important factor in how people interact with each other. For example, one study found that people’s perceptions of others were substantially influenced by body language, even when the other person’s words were the same (Hess & Fischer, 2013). This suggests that body language can be used to send subtle messages that may be missed in verbal communication. In addition, research has demonstrated that body language can be used to influence the way people perceive the world around them (Knapp & Hall, 2015).
In conclusion, body language is an important form of nonverbal communication that has been studied extensively in recent years. Research has found that body language can be used to influence the outcome of social interactions, and that it can be used to send subtle messages that may be missed in verbal communication. As such, understanding and utilizing body language is an important skill for anyone who wishes to effectively communicate with others.
References
Gardner, S. E. (2016). The influence of body language on negotiation outcomes. International Negotiations, 21(3), 357-378.
Hess, U., & Fischer, A. H. (2013). Differential effects of verbal and nonverbal messages on person perception. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 142(3), 725-735.
Knapp, M. L., & Hall, J. A. (2015). Nonverbal communication in human interaction (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth.